COL (Ret) James M. Bowers

August 14, 1930 - October 1, 2022

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Jim Bowers, also known as “Ranger Jim” and “Cowboy Jim”, was born in a coal mining camp named Cassville, in West Virginia on August 14, 1930. The Angels recruited Jim for their “Ranger Patrol” on October 1, 2022 at his home in Spring Harbor, Columbus, Georgia. He was 92.

Jim was a strong and dedicated family man who was blessed with a sweet, beautiful and totally dedicated Army wife, Kathryn Gee Bowers, affectionately known as “Kacky”. Jim and Kacky were married at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1956, and together they raised two exemplary sons, Jim Junior and Clarke.

After graduating from the University of West Virginia where he received a regular Army commission from ROTC, Jim served thirty proud years on active duty and commanded at each level from Platoon through Brigade. He served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He was immensely proud of his Airborne Wings and Ranger Tab, and his favorite and most rewarding assignment was Director of the Ranger Department from 1973-1977.

During his military career Jim received many service awards to include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal “V” with 24 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge and Master Parachutist Badge. Jim also attended numerous military schools during his career to include the Army War College.

Upon retiring from active duty, he taught JR ROTC at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia for ten years and then moved to Florida in 1993. He returned to Columbus in 2006.

In addition to his love for his family and country, Jim had a passion for the great outdoors and had a special adoration for animals. Some of his favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, playing and hunting with his dogs, riding and driving his horses, water skiing and flying small airplanes.

Jim is survived by his two sons James Bowers, Jr. of Henderson, Nevada and Clarke Bowers of Dawsonville, Georgia.

Jim Junior and Clarke are planning a wonderful, uplifting Celebration of Life, for both Jim and their mother Kacky, which will be announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Paws Humane, 4900 Milgen Road, P.O. Box 8964, Columbus, Georgia 31908.

Vance Brooks

Barbara J Chaisson

Andy Hanton

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I had great memories of Col Bowers when I was at Hardaway high school. I remember him as a kind, funny, good hearted human being who was a inspiration to me and to all the R.O.T.C. cadets there. One great memory I had of him was at a pet rally where he, and other members of the faculty, dancing to the song wipeout. Lol. He had a Hawaiian shirt on and just dancing his but off! Everybody was laughing their heads off! I'll never forget it. I was honored to have known him. I thank him for his service to our country. God bless him and his family. May we all honor his memory and legacy. As he would always say, "FANTASTIC "!!!! R.I.P. 🙏😭🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊

Our freedom and everything else we cherish exists only because of the efforts of men such as the late Colonel James M. Bowers. We must never forget this. His life of service stands as an inspiration to all Americans. God rest his soul. Condolences to his family.

My deepest condolences and prayers are with you Col. Bowers and your family. I was blessed by your great leadership and teachings while at Hardaway High school. I listened and learned about how to be a good leader and a great young man. I shall never forget all of our talks in between the class periods and your laughter and big smile . Rest in Peace great soldier and leader of many

Daddy misses Jim so much. They did so many things together. It was a true friendship they shared. I also miss seeing him and visiting with him when I was there with daddy. He was a truly great Man.

To Jim’s family my deepest sympathy I had the pleasure of knowing your Mother and father for many years and yourGrandfather General Gee as my husband Jack worked for him. Kacky has her love back to walk the Heavenly paths. May your memories of them bring comfort.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Col. Bowers saw potential in everyone of his students In JROTC at Hardaway. I was one of them. He pushed you hard because of that potential. He was an excellent instructor and one of my favorite teachers. Fly High Colonel, you will be greatly missed.

I am sad to hear this. Some men you just think will live forever. Col Bowers had a huge impact on my life. I loved this man like a second father. “Fantastic” is a permanent part of my vocabulary because of him. We lost a great one. May he test in peace.

Oh, Jim...I tried to call you this morning, and when your phone had too many messages to record a new one...I was immediately worried. It has been a bit longer between our calls because of the hurricane...I figured that you might have lost electricity and phone...but by now, I figured it was safe to call you. I got a bad feeling when you didn't answer. I checked the obituaries for Columbus, GA, and realized why you didn't answer...I am so sad to lose my best friend and riding buddy...I am the only one left now that you, Georgia, and Carrera are gone...so hang on for a while until my time is up and we will ride again on our horses! My ride will be along in the future and we will meet again. LOVE you my best buddy...

Thank you for Your Service

Sir you are gone, but you will never be forgotten. I want to thank you for so many great words of wisdom, I want to thank you for your friendship, and most of all I want to thank you for the true service that you gave to this great nation. I remember when you and your wife first came to the dealership, you said I want to work with a veteran. We started talking army talk and that went on for some time. Your wife said the next time you can come back by yourself, you did and we talked some more. Sir I want you to know that you will always be my friend and I will always love you. To your family, thank you all so much for allowing 10+ years with a great man and a true hero. I know that he is up there in Ranger heaven with my son talking about army stuff. This nation is in a better place because of the dedication and love you had for this country. Sir Rangers Lead The Way. HOOHA. CSM Green your Battle Buddy.

Dear Dad, I love you. Thanks for being a rock for this family… Always an inspiration… Always hard-charging. Rangers Lead the Way!
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I'm thankful for the devoted service to our country by Col. Bowers! My deepest sympathies to Jim, Clark, their families, and all of Col. Bowers' friends and admirers.

Rest in peace sir

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.